Date: 27 September 2023
Time: 09:30 - 17:00 
Venue: Online

Course Overview 

This one-day course explores the multifaceted domain of offshore wind energy development in Ireland. The course delves into the fundamental modules necessary to comprehend the intricate landscape of the sustainable energy sector. Participants will gain insights into Offshore Wind Terminology, familiarising themselves with the jargon and concepts essential for in-depth comprehension. Next, the course introduces the critical aspects of Planning, focusing on the strategic and regulatory considerations in the development process. Development Constraints will be analysed, shedding light on the challenges faced in the industry, and offering strategies to overcome these hurdles. Lastly, Site characterisation will be covered, examining the methodologies used to assess potential offshore wind locations for optimal energy generation. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, participants will be well-equipped to contribute to the promising future of offshore wind energy in Ireland.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes 

The course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of offshore wind energy, with a specific focus on the context of Ireland. By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of offshore wind energy, its importance, and potential benefits for Ireland's energy landscape.
2. Acquire knowledge about the terminologies and technical aspects related to offshore wind projects to communicate effectively in the field. 
3. Analyse and evaluate the planning process involved in setting up an offshore wind farm in Ireland, considering environmental, economic, and regulatory factors.
4. Identify and comprehend the various development constraints that may impact the successful implementation of offshore wind projects in Ireland.
5. Develop proficiency in site characterization techniques and understand their significance in determining suitable locations for offshore wind farms.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:

1. Describe the key concepts and principles of offshore wind energy, including its relevance and potential contributions to Ireland's renewable energy goals.
2. Utilise correct offshore wind terminology to communicate effectively with stakeholders involved in the industry.
3. Evaluate the planning process for offshore wind projects in Ireland, considering environmental impact assessments, permitting requirements, and community engagement.
4. Identify and analyse potential development constraints, such as seabed conditions, marine ecology, wind resource variability, and economic viability, and propose possible mitigation strategies.
5. Apply site characterisation methods to assess the suitability of locations for offshore wind farms in Ireland, taking into account environmental, geotechnical, and meteorological factors.

Overall, the course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, assess, and contribute to the development of offshore wind projects in Ireland and foster sustainable energy practices in the region.

Who Should Attend 

•  Engineers and Technicians: Those who work in the renewable energy sector, particularly in offshore wind, would benefit from learning about the specific challenges and opportunities in Ireland.
• Energy Industry Professionals: Individuals working in the energy sector, such as project managers, developers, and policymakers, can gain valuable insights into offshore wind development and planning in Ireland.
• Environmental and Site Assessment Experts: Professionals involved in environmental impact assessment and site characterisation for offshore wind projects would find relevance in the modules related to site characterisation and development constraints.
• Researchers and Academics: Scholars and researchers focused on renewable energy, offshore wind, or sustainable development might find the course beneficial to broaden their knowledge and expertise.
• Government and Regulatory Officials: Staff from regulatory bodies or government agencies responsible for energy policy and planning can use the knowledge gained in this course to make informed decisions and support the growth of offshore wind in Ireland.
• Investors and Financial Analysts: Individuals interested in investing in offshore wind projects in Ireland would benefit from understanding the planning, power systems, and development constraints involved in such projects. 
• Consultants and Advisors: Professionals who provide consulting or advisory services to the renewable energy sector, especially offshore wind, would find this course relevant to enhance their capabilities.
• Students and Graduates: Those studying engineering, environmental sciences, energy, or related fields can use this course to expand their knowledge and prepare for potential careers in the offshore wind industry.

Course Content 

History of Offshore Wind: This will provide an overview of the historical development of offshore wind energy. It will cover key milestones, technological advancements, and major projects that have shaped the growth of offshore wind globally.

Offshore Wind in Ireland: Focusing specifically on Ireland, this module will explore the current state of offshore wind energy in the country. It will cover ongoing projects, government policies, investment opportunities, project barriers and the potential for future expansion in the Irish offshore wind sector.

Offshore Wind Terminology: This module will introduce professionals to the specialised terminology used in the offshore wind industry. Participants will learn key technical and industry-specific terms related to wind turbine technology, offshore structures, project development, and regulatory aspects.

Planning: The planning module will delve into the essential processes and considerations involved in planning an offshore wind project. Topics covered will include environmental impact assessments, regulatory approvals, stakeholder engagement, site selection criteria and the Irish planning process.

Development Constraints:

Identifying and mitigating development constraints is critical to successful offshore wind projects. This module will discuss various challenges that developers may encounter, such as technical limitations, environmental concerns, regulatory barriers, and financial constraints.

Site Characterisation:

Site characterisation is a crucial step in offshore wind project development. This module will cover methods and technologies used to assess potential sites, including geotechnical surveys, metocean studies, seabed mapping, ground modelling and other data collection techniques.

Course Trainers

Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions are the only indigenous Irish offshore wind consultancy that has been involved in all aspects of offshore wind development, from project inception through to the commissioning.

Jeannine Dunne is as an experienced and professional former civil Servant with over sixteen years of experience in areas including policy analysis and the provision of policy and legislative advice across a range of policy areas in both the terrestrial and marine space. Jeannine has led the Offshore Marine Advisory team at GDG since early 2020, working across a broad range of projects including risk assessment of consented projects, environmental and planning compliance assessment and stakeholder engagement and liaison. She has also provided training on the Irish legislative system and analysis of consenting requirements for site investigation activities in the Irish marine area.

James McAteer is an experienced geologist within GDG, with over 8 years professional experience. He has worked across a broad range of projects, including GIS development, geospatial analytics, hydrogeological monitoring and mapping and offshore wind site identification and refinement. James has used his GIS experience to identify suitable offshore wind development areas in multiple countries, develop maps, topographical models and databases for several complex projects including cable landfall locations assessments and mapping.